Serologic Assays To Direct Personalized Demyelinating Disease Treatment

Serologic assays that may detect contributing causes while offering new treatment options.

University of Utah researchers have identified a series of microbes, mostly bacteria, whose presence is highly associated with demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The presence of these microbes in the brain may lead to a significant immune response that can contribute to demyelination. Serologic studies have demonstrated elevated levels of antibodies against the identified microbes in the CSF of patients with these diseases. These studies also found limited evidence of intrathecal antibody production against these candidate microbes.

By discerning the microbial triggers that may lead to demyelination in MS and related diseases, this technology could allow early intervention with antibiotics to limit the damage and allow for remyelination and recovery of patient function.

Optimization & Testing

• Potentially early diagnosis of MS prior to severe or permanent damage.
• Directed individualized therapy using antibiotics to augment the currently available MS treatments.
• Potential for treatment of other demyelinating diseases where there are limited treatment options.

Kriesel J, Bhetariya P, Wang Z, et al. Spectrum of Microbial Sequences and a Bacterial Cell Wall Antigen in Primary Demyelination Brain Specimens Obtained from Living Patients. Scientific Reports (2019). 9:1387. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598‐018‐38198‐8

Eckman E, Laman J, Fischer K, et al. (Preprint) Spinal fluid antibodies against multiple sclerosis candidate bacteria in demyelinating disease. MedRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.05.21250635

Project Website: https://www.crackingthemscode.org/

Publication Number: 2022-516083
Patent Title: COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS USEFUL IN DETECTING AND TREATING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND OTHER DEMYELINATING DISEASES
Jurisdiction/Country: Japan
Application Type: Non-Provisional

Jason Young
(801) 587-0519
jason.r.young@utah.edu